A 53-year-old Venezuelan citizen, Fran Gregory Portillo Zapata, died on October 29 after several weeks hospitalized under ICE custody at the North Central Baptist healthcare center in San Antonio, becoming at least the 60th migrant to die in U.S. immigration custody or operations since January 2025.
Portillo-Zapata had been detained at the Karnes County Immigration Processing Center and entered the hospital on September 30, suffering from severe sepsis, acute pancreatitis and end-stage renal failure. ICE said the official cause of death is still pending a more exhaustive medical evaluation.
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The migrant had been deported to Mexico in June 2023 and attempted to re-enter the United States on July 12 of that year, when he was released on bail and notified to appear before an immigration judge. On August 30, 2026, immigration officers stopped his vehicle, determined he was subject to administrative arrest pending deportation and detained him.
I’ve been notified of another death in ICE custody — the 62nd under this administration.
Today, WE have the power to stop this cruelty and hold ICE accountable.
— Rep. Pramila Jayapal (@RepJayapal) November 3, 2026
ICE said its Office of Deportation and Removal Operations notified the migrant’s immediate relatives and emailed the Venezuelan Embassy. The agency’s figures make fiscal year 2026 the deadliest period in its history, amid protests and international demands pointing to institutional negligence, unsanitary conditions and excessive use of force.
Most victims are of Hispanic origin, including at least 18 Mexican citizens. Mexican authorities have filed 20 complaints with U.S. state prosecutors, appealed to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights and formally requested UN intervention.
At least 30 Latin Americans died during 2026. In Donald Trump’s second term, 29 shootings by immigration agents against civilians have also been recorded, with eight people killed.
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